RentData

Average Rent in Putnam County, IN Rents falling 6.7% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 37,091

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Putnam County, IN has rental prices ranging from $745/month to $1,636/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $816/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $76,182/year, spending $816/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Putnam County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,049/month, Putnam County ranks #18 most expensive of the 77 cities tracked in Indiana — pricier than 70% of all US cities in our data.

The Putnam County Rental Market

The Putnam County, IN area has a population of about 37,091 and 26% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Putnam County, IN have fallen by $75/month (6.7%) over the past year, from $1,124 to $1,049. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Putnam County, IN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,640. The local median household income of $76,182 exceeds that threshold by $43,542, making Putnam County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Putnam County, IN has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, 0.4 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$745
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$816
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,049
6.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,397
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,636
Affordable
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Is Putnam County, IN Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$41,960/year
Local median income: $76,182
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,049/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in INlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Gary$860$985$1,197$1,475
Franklin County$727$802$1,052$1,389
Cincinnati$883$993$1,287$1,707
Anderson$759$803$1,054$1,379
Indianapolis$955$1,097$1,283$1,669
Louisville$1,003$1,094$1,330$1,714

Rent or Buy in Putnam County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Putnam County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,049/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,049/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Putnam County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Putnam County

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💵Rent Affordability in Putnam County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IN

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📋IN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections